Comments Off on Philippe Starck reinvents himself again with striking green YOO Quito tower

Philippe Starck is one of the most influential designers of modern times – and he’s applied his signature style and environmental ethos to develop a striking new residential building in Ecuador . The slender YOO Quito tower, created in collaboration with property entrepreneur John Hitchcox, real estate developer Tommy Schwarzkopf and architecture studio Arquitectónica , is expected to feature several sustainable strategies, including low-impact materials, a volumetric design to mitigate solar exposure, and a number of green terraces to reduce the heat island effect . In 1999, Philippe Starck and John Hitchcox partnered to create YOO , design firm that works with international developers on high-end residential and hospitality projects throughout the world. Their latest endeavor brought together several international firms to design and build four new landmark buildings for Quito . Related: Philippe Starck’s New Wind and Solar-Powered Home Produces 50% More Energy Than it Consumes The YOO Quito building has a slender undulating silhouette with vegetation dominating its base and top floor. For interior spaces, the designers coupled traditional regional design with a modern, minimalist aesthetic. Glass, metal, concrete , foliage and a neutral color palette dominate both the interior and exterior of the building. The building’s vegetal covers are designed to “obstruct, filter and reflect solar radiation,” according to Yoo Quito literature, “fighting the heat in [sic] sunny days and maintaining heat in the winter.” They also provide protection against noise. Transparent glass ensures ample natural light, while smart technology throughout further reduces the building’s energy requirement. When complete, YOO Quito is expected to be the tallest building in the city. + Uribe & Schwarzkopf + YOO + Arquitectónica

Comments Off on Europe’s tallest residential tower breaks ground in London

The 67-story Spire London project was launched by Greenland Group, one of China ’s largest premium residential developers. The building, which recently broke ground in London , will be 235 meters (771feet) high and will provide unrivaled views of the city. The building will comprise 861 apartments, including luxury suites and duplex penthouses, as well as common garden spaces and five-star amenities such as a spa and club bar. Related: Exciting new designs for Heathrow Airport’s expansion unveiled The lower floors of the development will feature Bronze colored metal detailing meant to reference the tan brickwork dominating the historic buildings located along the perimeter of the dock basin where the tower will sit. The interior design of the tower , expected to be completed in 2020, was entrusted to interior designer Nicola Fontanella of Argent Design. + HoK + Argent Design Via World Architecture News